I must admit to being slightly intimidated, uncertain as to the level of writers I’d encounter. Fortunately I met a fellow classmate in the hallway prior to entering the room. She calmed my nerves considerably.

A fixture in the class for 15 years, 74 year-old Gail assured me that I would be nurtured, not judged, by our instructor Doris and the other students.

Two hours flew by, unlike my younger years in a classroom. I can remember watching the clock in those days, willing its hands to pick up speed.

Interesting how age reverses our perception of things.

Listening to others read what they’d written, was akin to feeling the rush of cold, fresh air bursting through unlatched windows.

Yanna, a musician, wrote the most soulful piece about her beloved dog, the surrogate child unto whom she pours all her pent-up, maternal feelings.

Helen, who recently returned from visiting her native South Africa, shared intimate memories of a 95 year-old friend who died. Through Helen’s writing, we came to know a woman whose life had resembled a precious gem…preserved in its natural beauty, not having yet been mined.

I have deep admiration for an 88 year-old who has been Doris’ student for the last 5 years.

Pat is writing her memoirs, hoping to publish them in a book. Her story promises to reveal her family’s hardships and heartaches in the aftermath of their mother’s death, and the subsequent inability of their father to parent.

To write is to tell one’s story. We are all storytellers. We are all writers.

8 thoughts on “changing things up…2013”

Thanks! I’m thinking of posting a story a week. That’ll coincide with the homework I have to do anyway. I appreciate your excitement over my new venture. I’m just excited I did it. Getting these old bones out the door isn’t as easy as it use to be…especially in the dead of winter. Aaarrrggghhh!!! 😦

Happy New Year! I plan to have as much fun as my arthritis will allow. As for yoga…I’ve been contemplating doing that as well. A little better, I think, for my joints and overall well-being than the hardcore exercise classes I’ve done up until now. I’ve seen a hand orthopedist and occupational therapist for my thumb. Both were very helpful. The doctor gave me a steroid shot to the base of my thumb which miraculously cured the tendonitis which had built up over time. And the therapist fitted me for a plastic thumb/hand cast which I use daily to stabilize the area when driving, lifting groceries, opening doors, and so on. At the moment my back aches from having bent over puzzles which my daughter and I worked on during the holidays. Sitting at the computer also takes its toll because I don’t always remember to sit correctly. One reason I’ve not been blogging as much.

Regardless of my physical state, I’m bound and determined to keep right on enjoying every moment…of every day. And hugs to you…for doing the same! 🙂